United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest Service
Pacific Southwest
Region
February 2010
Status Report to Congress
Fiscal Year 2009
Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Forest Recovery Act Pilot Project
Report Preparation and Contact Information
This document was prepared by the Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group Pilot Project Implementation Team for the
Lassen, Plumas and Tahoe National Forests.
This report will be made available online following finalization. Printed copies or CDs of the document will beavailable
upon request by contacting the team.
Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Implementation Team
Team Leader - Dave Wood
530-283-7772
159 Lawrence St.
P.O. Box 11500
Quincy, CA 95971
www.fs.fed.us/r5/hfqlg
Cover Photos
Clockwise from Top Center: Meadow Restoration on Sierraville Ranger District using pond and plug technique to restore
eroded channel through meadow. Nelson Creek, Plumas National Forest. Public monitoring field trip on the Eagle Lake
District, Lassen National Forest. A group selection unit on the Almanor Ranger District of the Lassen National Forest.
Civil Rights Statement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis
of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status,
religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income
is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities
who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should
contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write
toUSDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 IndependenceAvenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-94110, or call (800)
795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Introduction and
Background
The fiscal year (FY) 2009 Herger-Feinstein Quincy
Library Group (HFQLG) pilot project Status Report
to Congress is the tenth annual status report on the
pilot project. This report is a concise summary of the
information required by the HFQLG Forest Recovery
Act. For more detailed information, the FY 2009 HFQLG
Monitoring Reports will be available at www.fed.us/r5/
hfqlg . Printed copies of all documents are also available
upon request.
Implementation of the pilot project continues to be
affected by appeals and litigation. Court decisions are
pending on cases that have been in litigation for up to 5
years. Uncertainty because of the potential for litigation
has also affected the process of project planning and
preparation. These issues have resulted in reduced acreage
accomplishments and less timber available from the
Forests.
The HFQLG pilot project area had only a moderate
fire season in FY 2009. However, severe fire seasons in
stakeholders in the planning of individual projects.
Monitoring efforts continue to provide effective
feedback to inform planning and implementation of
current and future projects. Over the course of the
pilot project, various modifications have been made to
management techniques in response to issues identified
through monitoring, such as soil compaction and smoke
from prescribed burning. Socioeconomic monitoring
continues to track the effects of the pilot project on local
economies using a series of indicators. The contribution
of the timber industry to local economies appears to be
decreasing, while other industries, including tourism,
contribute an increasing share.
As directed by Congress, an independent scientific
panel reviewed the pilot project monitoring program
and made recommendations for changes in FY 2008. In
response, in FY 2009 HFQLG pilot project monitoring
teams made changes to various components of the
monitoring program, ranging from minor adjustments to
major overhauls.
Background
Congress enacted the HFQLG Forest Recovery Act
2007 and 2008 continued to affect the pilot project in
and established the pilot project in October 1998. The pilot
2009, as the Forest Service allocated resources to plan
project has been extended twice and is now scheduled to
and implement fire recovery and roadside hazard removal
conclude in September 2012.
projects, in addition to the HFQLG work program, in
order to complete these projects before the burned timber
deteriorates.
In December 2007, an amendment to the HFQLG
Act directed the Forest Service to initiate a collaboration
process to consider modifications to the pilot project with
environmental group plaintiffs and the Quincy Library
Group. The collaboration process began in FY 2008 with
a neutral facilitator interviewing representatives of the
parties to assess issues and potential for common ground.
In FY 2009, the parties participated in a series of meetings,
but were unable to reach agreement. The Forest Service
Caboose Defensible Fuel Profile Zone (DFPZ) completed on
Eagle Lake Ranger District
will continue to collaborate with these parties and other
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
1
The pilot project area covers approximately 1.53
Implementation has been subject to a variety of
million acres in the Lassen and Plumas National Forests
challenges, including restrictions from previous land and
and the Sierraville Ranger District of the Tahoe National
resource management documents. The Sierra Nevada
Forest. It is designed to implement and demonstrate
Forest Plan Amendment (also known as the Sierra Nevada
the effectiveness of fuels and vegetation management
Framework) Record of Decision, signed in January 2004,
activities to meet ecologic, economic and fuel reduction
provides for full implementation of the act, but continues
objectives. These activities include shaded fuel breaks or
to be subject to litigation.
Defensible Fuel Profile Zones (DFPZs), group selection
(GS), individual tree selection (ITS) and riparian
management. The Quincy Library Group Community
Stability Proposal, the basis for the HFQLG Act, identifies
a desired condition of an all-aged, multi-storied, fireresilient forest that will provide a continuous supply of
forest products and promote community stability. The
Record of Decision and Final Environmental Impact
Statement for the pilot project were released in August
1999.
Funding
Group selection treatment, Pittville project on the Lassen NF
Funding and expenditures for the HFQLG pilot project over the 11 years since inception are summarized below.
Fiscal
Year
Allocation and Expenditures, 1999 through 2009 (millions)
Unobligated
Available Indirect Funding to
Total
Funding
Cost
Projects
Expenditures
Balance
Not Returned
to Project
1999
8.0
0.0
2.0
2.0
6.0
0.0
2000
12.2
0.8
6.4
7.2
5.0
5.0
2001
31.2
3.1
25.1
28.2
3.0
3.0
2002
26.2
3.1
18.4
21.5
4.7
1.3
2003
29.6
3.1
20.0
23.1
6.5
1.9
2004
30.8
3.1
27.0
30.1
0.7
0.7
2005
31.0
3.1
26.1
29.2
1.8
1.8
2006
26.2
3.4
22.4
25.8
0.4
0.4
2007
26.2
3.1
22.7
25.9
0.3
0.3
2008
25.3
2.6
21.6
24.2
1.1
0.9
2009
26.2
2.9
22.9
25.8
0.3
TBD
Total
272.9
28.3
214.6
243.0
29.8
15.3
Note: Numbers have been rounded.
2 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Three primary fund codes are used to track project
expenditures:
FY 2009 project expenditures include:
 Administering and monitoring projects from
prior years
 Wildland Fire Hazardous Fuels (WFHF)
– Fuels reduction project (includes Defensible
Fuel Profile Zone, DFPZ) planning,
preparation, implementation, monitoring and
administration.
 Implementing projects from prior-year
planning
 Planning and implementing FY 2009 projects
and planning projects for FY 2010 and beyond
 National Forest Timber Management (NFTM)
– Timber sale planning, preparation and
administration.
 Responding to appeals
 Responding to litigation
 National Forest Vegetation and Watershed
(NFVW) – Forest health improvement,
watershed and riparian restoration project
planning, preparation and implementation.
FY 2009 Pilot Project Expenditures (millions)
Forest/Unit
WFHF
NFTM
NFVW
Lassen
4.450
1.369
2.070
Total
7.889
Plumas*
12.072
0.955
0.369
13.396
Tahoe
1.324
0.167
0.155
1.646
Total
17.846
2.491
2.594
22.931
12 Percent Indirect Cost
2.896
Unobligated Balance
0.343
Total FY 2009 Budget
26.170
*Plumas funds include HFQLG implementation team and monitoring program
Indirect costs are expenses for general administration support, office space, rental agreements, communications and
other expenses, which are not to exceed 12 percent of the annual HFQLG budget.
Revenue and Resource Accomplishments
To help monitor the effects of the pilot project and the level of accomplishment, the HFQLG act requires a report of
the revenue, expenditures and timber management activities between 1992 and 1997 for the National Forests in the pilot
project area. This information provides a valuable perspective on the activities and accomplishments of the pilot project,
as well as an opportunity to compare historic and current figures.
Volume of sawlogs and biomass is measured in hundred cubic feet (CCF). One load of either a standard log truck or a
standard chip truck contains approximately 10 CCF.
Historic Revenue, Expenditures and Timber Activity for the HFQLG Pilot Project Area
Fiscal
Year
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
(millions)
Expenditure
(millions)
Regeneration
(Acres)
Site
Prep
(Acres)
Timber Stand
Improvement
(Acres)
Sawlog Vol.
Offered
(CCF)
Sawlog Vol.
Sold and
Awarded (CCF)
Total Area
Harvested
(Acres)
$67.187
$34.408
$44.501
$52.873
$24.590
$24.465
$25.856
$18.194
$17.376
$22.596
$20.490
$22.207
8,634
7,853
8,206
7,531
9,063
15,591
6,176
5,264
4,667
2,363
3,321
3,321
10,045
10,600
8,740
13,866
15,062
22,646
426,000
424,000
375,000
555,200
374,200
383,000
329,400
535,200
332,600
316,400
242,600
353,400
55,689
70,885
57,922
47,317
38,917
32,223
Revenue
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
3
From FY 1999 through FY 2006, sawlog and biomass projects were reported as accomplished once they were
offered for sale. During this period there were a few projects that were offered and reported as accomplished, but then
subsequently litigated so that sale and on the ground implementation were suspended. In FY 2007 reporting methods
changed and since then projects are not recorded as accomplished until they are actually sold.
Appeals and litigation, including adjustments to project plans and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
documents due to court decisions, have affected revenue and accomplishments. Several projects continue to be tied up in
litigation initiated in previous years. Market conditions also affect sawlog and biomass revenue and demand.
Revenue, Expenditures and Timber Management for HFQLG Pilot Project
Fiscal
Year
Revenue (Stumpage
Receipts)
(millions)
Expenditures
(millions)
Number of
Projects
Sawlog Vol.
Offered/Sold
(CCF)
Biomass Vol.
Offered/Sold
(CCF)
Sawlog and
Biomass Vol.
Removed (CCF)
1999
0.000
1.943
1
4,785
4,278
0
2000
0.020
7.182
10
44,422
64,517
5,754
2001
0.140
28.267
34
88,802
143,117
33,151
2002
0.989
21.557
33
37,168
31,354
99,163
2003
0.960
23.100
28
41,418
44,402
61,810
2004
1.958
30.100
55
203,012
198,204
61,792
2005
2.914
29.200
37
143,373
129,814
222,770
2006
4.613
25.800
23
14,625
25,132
191,875
2007
2.048
25.866
33
57,904
68,818
82,368
2008
0.885
24.200
34
28,143
30,850
58,993
2009
2.610
25.827
35
75,459
52,792
49,282
Total
17.137
243.042
323
739,111
793,278
866,958
Average
1.558
22.095
29
67,192
72,116
78,814
In addition to tracking accomplishment through sawlog and biomass volume, the pilot project monitors the number of
acres receiving fuels reduction treatments.
The focus of timber management on the National Forest System lands in the pilot project area changed with passage
of the Act. Instead of traditional elements like regeneration, site preparation and timber stand improvement, the pilot
project reports on different treatments, including:
 Defensible Fuel Profile Zone (DFPZ)
construction,
 Group Selection (GS), and
 Individual Tree Selection (ITS).
Riparian restoration is also an important part of the
HFQLG pilot project. It includes meadow restoration and
enhancement, stream channel improvement, road relocation,
road closure, slope stabilization and aspen enhancement. In
FY 2009, there were five projects focused on restoring 680
acres. Approximately 1 mile of road and two road crossings
were eliminated, while three road crossings were restored.
4 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Panner timber sale on Hat Creek Ranger District: Trees
marked for individual tree selection
Stream restoration on Sierraville Ranger
District. Raised water table is causing
sagebrush to die.
Acres Accomplished
Fiscal Year
1999
DPFZ (Mechanical)
640
DFPZ (Fire)
0
GS
0
ITS
172
Riparian Restoration
0
Total
812
2000
7,215
0
200
772
81
8,268
2001
37,158
4,039
1,836
528
945
44,506
2002
14,982
1,669
1,258
395
838
19,142
2003
17,369
7,073
0
44
537
25,023
2004
31,023
5,612
1,738
80
603
39,056
2005
17,592
3,481
1,792
2,327
836
26,028
2006
5,299
3,204
6
0
159
8,668
2007
10,920
3,507
405
1,235
306
16,373
2008
4,944
5,193
0
739
375
11,251
2009
8,487
1,724
284
2,022
680
13,197
Total
155,629
35,502
7,519
8,314
5,360
212,324
Most projects, though reported as accomplished, have contracts that extend for several years. Actual project work may
not begin until the next operating season. Thus, the number of acres treated on the ground each year through the activities
of harvest, prescribed fire and riparian restoration work varies and is not the same as the acres reported as accomplished
annually. FY 2009 treated acres include 4500 acres within the Watdog planning area that burned at low to moderate
severity in the 2008 lightning-ignited Canyon Complex fires. These acres met fuel treatment objectives following the fire
and are reported in accordance with Forest Service guidelines.
Acres Treated
Fiscal Year
DFPZ (Mechanical)
DFPZ (Fire)
GS
ITS
Total Acres Treated*
1999
0
0
0
0
0
2000
366
0
0
64
430
2001
5,109
1,453
17
256
6,835
2002
18,235
3,725
486
785
23,231
2003
4,244
9,816
498
762
15,320
2004
12,211
7,015
47
682
19,955
2005
14,722
7,325
1,379
0
23,426
2006
23,336
6,611
275
0
30,222
2007
10,160
2,653
978
0
13,791
2008
12,260
7,380
356
10
20,006
2009
6,204
10,309
38
97
16,648
Total
106,847
56,287
4,074
2,656
169,864
*does not include riparian restoration
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
5
FY 2010 Program of
Work
The FY 2010 enacted budget is estimated to be
Socioeconomic
Monitoring
The HFQLG Act requires the Forest Service to
approximately $ 26.2 million. This estimate includes
provide annual status reports to Congress that describe
a proportionate funding reduction in alignment with
the “economic benefits to local communities achieved
the Pacific Southwest Region reduction. The following
by the implementation of the pilot project.” This report
activities are planned in FY 2010:
tracks socioeconomic changes since implementation of the
 Number of Projects: 45
pilot project in 1999 using the most recent available data.
 Sawlog Vol. (CCF): 117,000
In some cases, data for 2009 are not yet available. The
 Biomass Vol. (CCF): 71,000
following communities and their surrounding areas are
 DFPZ Acres: 16,000
monitored:
 GS Acres: 500
 ITS Acres: 4000
 Riparian Restoration Acres: 500
 Total Planned Acres: 21,000
Activities planned for FY 2010 include:
 Administering current contracts
 Implementation of vegetation projects planned
in previous years
 Implementation of riparian management
projects
 Environmental analysis for proposed projects
 Out-year data collection and planning
 Implementation of Healthy Forest Restoration
Act projects
 Bieber, Population (2000): 1,774
 Burney, Population (2000): 8,863
 Susanville, Population (2000): 19,055 (not
including incarcerated persons)
 Westwood, Population (2000): 4,251
 Chester, Population (2000): 2,747
 Greenville, Population (2000): 2,831
 Quincy, Population (2000): 6,475
 Portola, Population (2000): 6,277
 Loyalton, Population (2000): 2,828
The following highlights key study conclusions.
Detailed methodology and analysis narratives for
each indicator are available in the FY 2009 HFQLG
Socioeconomic Monitoring Report.
Pilot Project Area Employment
Total Payroll Job Impacts: Analysis of the most
recent U.S. Census data available shows that from the pilot
project’s initiation in 1999 to 2007, the estimated number
of total payroll jobs increased approximately 5 percent.
This growth indicates a rebound from the closure of the
Sierra Pacific Industries Susanville sawmill in 2004, which
was the major cause of a 3.7 percent drop in payroll jobs
Downtown Susanville
in the pilot project area in 2005. Census data for 2008 will
be released in 2010. Employment data releases in the next
several years will reflect the impact of the recession and
additional business closures, specifically the Sierra Pacific
6 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
small-log sawmill operation in Quincy, which occurred in
accommodation establishments occurred in all project
2009.
areas communities, except in Burney, Chester and
Forest Products Industry Job Impacts: The pilot
project has not offset the downturn in forest products
industry employment within the project area. (However,
the pilot project has not been implemented at the pace
Loyalton. Growth is attributed to at least two new food
service and accommodation establishments opening in
each community.
Job growth in the tourism sector has historically
and scale originally envisioned, due in part to appeals
outpaced the growth in the forest products industry sector.
and litigation.) Sawmills, the area’s largest employers,
Prior to 1999, the ratio of jobs between the two sectors
have continued to shut down (Bieber and Loyalton in
was approximately one to one. This means for each job in
2001, Susanville in 2004, and Quincy in 2009) and small
the forest products sector there was at least one job in the
businesses have had to search for work in other areas or
tourism sector. In 2001, the balance began to tip toward the
close. The following table shows that the estimated total
tourism sector. In 2007, there were an estimated 2.28 jobs
number of forest products industry jobs decreased 1.5
in the tourism sector for every job in the forest products
percent in the pilot project area from 2006 to 2007. Since
sector.
implementation of the pilot project in 1999, total forest
product industry jobs have decreased 35.5 percent. (Note
that the sharp decrease in the Greenville area between
2005 and 2006 is likely the result of a 2005 Census
data anomaly. Data for 2006 is more consistent with the
historical trend.)
Although the tourism industry has been relatively
stable, the number of tourism jobs varies significantly
among communities. For example, Bieber has little or no
tourism business activity while Susanville has more than
twice the number of tourism jobs of any other community
in the pilot project area.
Tourism Industry Job Impacts: The number of
tourism industry jobs has grown steadily throughout
the pilot project area. Since the implementation of
pilot project in 1999, the number of tourism jobs
grew by 32 percent. However, the pilot project area
experienced a 1.8 percent contraction in tourism related
jobs from 2006 to 2007. Closures of food service and
Tourism jobs are highly seasonal and the wages are
lower those in the forest products industry. According to
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual
wage for workers for in the tourism industry across the
nation is approximately $21,350. This is significantly
lower than the average annual wage of $35,010 earned by
workers in the forest products industry.
Delimber preparing logs from Eagle Lake Ranger District DFPZ project for haul
to saw mill
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
7
8 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
160
425
342
20
277
27
434
23
224
1,772
Bieber
Burney
Susanville
Westwood
Chester
Greenville
Quincy
Portola
Loyalton
Total Pilot Project Area
126
409
267
54
197
50
426
36
216
1,655
1997
182
361
262
36
209
37
382
13
210
1,510
1998
5
216
562
68
99
47
226
112
28
1,363
Bieber
Burney
Susanville
Westwood
Chester
Greenville
Quincy
Portola
Loyalton
Pilot Project Area Total
1,620
7
261
549
205
148
37
262
121
30
1997
1,638
2
199
613
215
142
46
267
134
20
1998
1,659
2
241
579
213
135
45
276
133
35
1999
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ZIP Code Business Patterns
1996
Community
158
360
260
24
166
48
329
40
216
1,443
2000
158
361
245
27
169
19
347
54
105
1,327
2001
45
300
240
31
43
6
324
7
42
993
2002
34
266
257
49
146
16
296
16
41
1,087
2003
1,653
2
241
627
194
147
38
224
154
26
2000
1,634
2
264
526
207
142
59
261
157
16
2001
1,733
0
208
680
217
127
40
268
161
32
2002
2,052
0
263
818
211
102
35
281
306
36
2003
Tourism Industry Jobs (Estimated)
251
376
269
26
185
46
373
20
195
1,490
1999
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ZIP Code Business Patterns
1996
Community
2,121
0
314
811
251
109
38
265
297
36
2004
33
342
193
44
152
6
332
43
42
1,154
2004
Total Forest Products Industry Jobs (Estimated)
2,113
0
298
752
186
95
45
313
396
28
2005
56
317
205
28
150
85
321
39
27
1,228
2005
2,232
0
287
908
187
111
31
328
347
33
2006
34
344
31
13
143
24
329
23
35
976
2006
2,191
0
300
888
164
141
25
299
338
36
2007
36
344
34
12
143
41
323
10
18
961
2007
-1.8%
Change ‘06 to
‘07 (%)
0.0%
4.5%
-2.2%
-12.3%
27.0%
-19.4%
-8.8%
-2.6%
9.1%
Change ‘06 to
‘07 (%)
5.9%
0.0%
9.7%
-7.7%
0.0%
70.8%
-1.8%
-56.5%
-48.6%
-1.5%
Non-employer Establishments: Non-employers are typically small family-owned and owner-operator businesses.
Non-employer forest products and non-forest products industries suffered losses immediately after the pilot project’s
implementation in 1999. However, U.S. Census data summarized in the table below shows that the number of all nonemployers and non-employers in the forest products industry began to rebound after 2001. The total number of nonemployer establishments in all sectors rose by over 27 percent from 2,810 in 1999 to 3,581 in 2007. The number of nonemployer establishments has consistently surpassed pre-project implementation levels.
Non-employers in the forest products industry also experienced significant growth since the implementation of the
pilot project. The number of forest products non-employers grew from 305 to 339 firms or over 11 percent from 1999 to
2007. Overall growth in the number of these firms indicates stability among family-owned, owner-operator, and other
small businesses. New data will be available in mid-2010 to gauge effects in 2008.
Non-employer Firms in the Pilot Project Area
All Nonemployers
Forest Products
Industry
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2,786
2,740
2,810
2,823
2,924
3,134
3,304
3,370
3,438
3,397
3,581
290
302
305
290
290
331
353
353
340
329
339
Source: U.S. Census Non-employer Statistics 1997 through 2007
HFQLG Timber Sales and Service Contract
Activity
Timber Sales: Timber sales declined precipitously
from Tahoe National Forest. Several timber sales were
successfully sold without litigation. On one of these
projects, the Forest Service redesigned the timber sale with
in FY 2003, prior to approval of the Final Supplemental
input from the plaintiffs, with the result that the plaintiffs
Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision
informally agreed not to challenge the redesigned project.
for the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (SNFPA)
This timber sale represented the largest project in volume
in January 2004. The 2004 SNFPA Record of Decision
in the pilot project area in FY 2009.
permitted removal of trees with larger diameters than
allowed under the 2001 SNFPA Record of Decision.
Timber sales recovered in FY 2004, surged in FY 2005,
and then began a decline in FYs 2006 through 2008. In
FY 2008, approximately 90 percent of all timber sales or
service contracts across the HFQLG pilot project area were
delayed due to SNFPA litigation. As a result, the volume
of sawlogs sold declined more than 50 percent to its lowest
level since 2003.
From FY 2008 to FY 2009, the volume of sawlogs
Sierra Pacific Industries log deck in Quincy
sold increased over two-fold. The surge in FY 2009 is
attributed in part to the abnormally low volume sold in FY
2008. Of the total volume of sawlogs sold, approximately
68 percent of sawlogs were from Lassen National Forest,
6 percent from Plumas National Forest, and 26 percent
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
9
Timber and Biomass Removal: From FY 2008
Biomass Electricity Generation: Electric power
to FY 2009, the total volumes of sawlogs and biomass
generation from biomass grew by 35.9 percent from 2007
removed in HFQLG projects declined 31 and 23 percent
to 2008 in the pilot project area. This is a significant
respectively. For the sawlogs removed from the pilot
rebound from the over 30 percent decline witnessed from
project area, approximately 77 percent were from Lassen
2006 to 2007. Growth is attributed to biomass power
National Forest, 8 percent from Plumas National Forest
plants in Quincy and Chester. Electric generation in
and 16 percent from Tahoe National Forest. For biomass
Chester has exceed its 1999 peak in 2008 even though the
volume removed the percentages were Lassen: 85 percent,
sawmill has produced less wood waste since its renovation
Plumas: 10 percent, and Tahoe: 5 percent. The value of
in 2003. The biomass power plant in Quincy operated by
sawlogs and biomass removed in the pilot project area
Sierra Pacific Industries, increased electricity generation
also decreased in FY 2009. The total value for stumpage
over 100 percent from 2007 to 2008. According to a
receipts removed in HFQLG projects in FY 2009 was
company representative, the power plant became fully
$248,188 in sawlogs and $90,031 in biomass. The value
operational and had been receiving fuel supplies from two
of sawlogs removed in FY 2009 is allocated to national
log sawmills operated by company.1 However, a decrease
forests as follows: Lassen: 70 percent, Plumas: 16 percent,
in electricity generation from this plant is expected to
and Tahoe: 14 percent.
materialize in next year’s CEC data release because Sierra
The decline in removal volumes is attributed to a
decreased demand and low timber prices caused by the
recession. Timber purchasers typically have 3 years after
contract award to remove the products and may be waiting
Pacific’s small-log sawmill operation in Quincy, a key
feedstock provider for the plant, closed in early 2009.
California Energy Commission data for FY 2009 activity
will be available in 2010.
for improved market conditions before initiating harvest
operations.
Service Contracts: One of the goals of the HFQLG
pilot project is to sustain the local economy and support
community stability by placing an emphasis on awarding
contracts to local bidders. The Forest Service defines
“local” as those firms in the pilot project area and the
remainder of the Sierra Cascade Province (defined as
northeast California, east of Interstate 5 and north of
Interstate 80). The percent share of total contract dollars
awarded to local companies in FY 2009 was 70 percent
Chipper feeding biomass into chip trailer for haul to electrical
cogeneration facility near Susanville
(pilot project area, 22.1 percent plus Sierra Cascade
Province Contracting Area, 47.9 percent). Overall (FYs
2000 through 2009), 65.4 percent of contract value has
been awarded to local contractors (pilot project area, 23.8
percent plus Sierra Cascade Province Contracting Area,
41.6 percent). These trends indicate the local economy
captures the majority of HFQLG contract dollars.
1
Interview with Representative of Sierra Pacific Industries’ power plant. January 5th, 2010.
10 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Local Business Environment
Jobs in Locally-owned Businesses: From 1998 to
Retail Business Activity
The most recent data published by the California
2008, the percentage of workers employed by locally-
Board of Equalization shows that from 2006 to 2007
owned businesses in the manufacturing sector increased
taxable sales transactions in the pilot project area declined
in all communities within the pilot project area except
greater than those of California. Measured in constant
Susanville. This shift in jobs in the manufacturing sector to
dollars, taxable sales at the state level decreased by 1.62
locally-owned businesses indicates growth and stability in
percent compared to a 5.22 percent decline in the Project
the local economy. This is also a positive sign since wages
Area.
in the manufacturing industry are higher than the retail and
services industries.
Establishments by Age: Dun and Bradstreet (D&B)
data from 1998 through 2008 indicates significant growth
in the number of business 0 to 5 and 6 to 15 years old
age brackets in the pilot project area. However, changes
in D&B data collection methodology implemented in
2006 may have artificially inflated these figures. In 2008,
corresponding growth did not occur in the over 15 year
old age bracket. This data anomaly limits the study team’s
ability to determine a trend at this time. Therefore, trend
analysis will be available after several years of more
consistent data are collected through this monitoring effort.
Lodging Revenue
Lodging revenue is a measure of the degree to which
Social Health: Family Poverty and
Population Age Structure
There is little statistical connection between
implementation of the pilot project and change in the two
social indicators (youth education and family poverty).
In the 2007-2008 school year participation in the free and
reduced lunch program increased to its highest point since
the beginning of the pilot project. However, most of this
increase is due to a handful of schools in the Burney and
Westwood areas. Five communities experienced decreases
in program participation in the past year. Data shows
those communities that lost sawmills, Loyalton (2001)
and Susanville (2004), exhibited an increase in program
participation.
For example, in the 2000-2001 school year 27 percent
tourism is increasing or decreasing in a region. Most
of Loyalton students participated in the free and reduced
California jurisdictions impose a transient occupancy
lunch program compared to 33.2 percent participation in
tax (TOT) on lodging for up to 30 days. While lodging
2007-2008. Despite these spikes, region-wide free and
revenue in the Project Area has remained relatively stable
reduced lunch program participation is relatively stable
since the implementation of the pilot project, revenue
with fluctuations between 34 and 39 percent since 1999.
decreased by 11.44 percent from FY 2007-2008 to FY
2008-2009. This decline is consistent with the reduced
traveling trends associated with the recession. In fact,
several vacation resorts and cabins rental complexes in
the pilot project area have closed or been converted into
condominiums.
High school dropout rates have also remained
relatively stable across all nine communities. Since the
pilot project began in late 1999, four communities have
had minor increases in dropout rates (Bieber, Burney,
Quincy and Loyalton) and four have had minor decreases
(Susanville, Westwood, Greenville and Portola). High
school enrollment in these communities is small, ranging
from 100 to 1,200 students. The addition or loss of one
student significantly affects the dropout rate.
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
11
The 1931 photo on left is typical of historic conditions found within the Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group pilot
project area. Photo on right of the same forest shows the current dense conditions that often prevail before any treatment.
Environmental
Monitoring and
Effects
A key part of the HFQLG pilot project is monitoring
Forest Habitat
The HFQLG Record of Decision requires that suitable
habitat for old forest-dependent and aquatic/ripariandependent species not be reduced by more than 10 percent
of levels originally measured in 1999 within three specific
old forest vegetation types, totaling 204,770 acres across
the effects of the variety of treatments being implemented.
the Pilot Project. Previous habitat evaluations, based on a
The monitoring effort tracks adverse and beneficial
less accurate vegetation layer, have recognized a different
impacts to the range of ecosystems in the pilot project
assessment of baseline acres. A more accurate assessment
area and recommends mitigation actions. As directed by
was completed in 2009 to amend the 1999 baseline. A
Congress, in FY 2008 an independent scientific review
cumulative total of
panel organized by the Pinchot Institute reviewed and
reductions in habitat are
made recommendations on the monitoring program.
tracked to monitor loss
HFQLG pilot project monitoring teams met during FY
of old forest habitat. To
2009 and made both minor changes and major overhauls
date, 4,365 acres (2.1
to different components of the monitoring program to
percent) have, or will
respond to the Pinchot Institute’s recommendations for
have, a reduction based
change. The following are the monitoring results for FY
on projects with a signed
2009.
Record of Decision. For
comparison, wildfire
through 2009 reduced an
additional 27,513 acres
(13.4 percent).
12 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
30+ inch diameter tree to remain
uncut, HFQLG project on Hat
Creek Ranger District
Forest Structure
focused primarily on the achievement of objectives for fire
Treated Stand Structure Monitoring (TSSM) data
collection continued in 2009, sampling a total of 7 units
pre-treatment, 21 units 1 year post-treatment (“post-1
year”) and 4 units 5 years post-treatment (“ post-5 year”).
Since data collection began in 2001, a total of 260 TSSM
data sets have been collected, including 159 pre-treatment
units, 91 post-1 year units, and 10 post-5 year units. Major
strides were completed in consolidating monitoring results
and data calculations into a comprehensive database.
Additional work was done to include project objectives
within the database, to serve as monitoring parameters.
This year further in-depth analysis of the TSSM
behavior, noxious weeds, and snag (dead tree) retention.
The fire behavior and noxious weed analyses are presented
under separate headings in this report. The analysis of
snag retention to date indicates that snag objectives are
not being met in most cases. Of 91 stands that were
analyzed, roughly one third (34.7 percent) either met snag
objectives or at minimum retained snags at pre-treatment
levels. Overall, only 12 percent of the stands met snag
objectives 1 year after treatment. These statistics indicate
that (1) snag numbers are frequently below objectives
prior to treatments and (2) in most cases snags are not
being retained at desired levels as measured 1 year after
treatment. Further ongoing analysis will be conducted to
data collected thus far was conducted, in coordination
determine causes and possible implications of these snag
with the Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) and
retention monitoring results.
the University of California. TSSM analysis this year
Summary Statistics for the Number of Snags per Acre by Zone and the Target Threshold for Snags per Acre
(Transition and Westside zones have variable snag management thresholds depending upon site specific wildlife
objectives)
Zone
Eastside
Snags
per acre
Threshold
3
# of
surveys
Pre-treatment
Mean
48
2.8
Pre-treatment
Standard
Deviation
4.0
0.8
Post-treatment
Standard
Deviation
1.6
Post-treatment
Mean
Transition
3
4
2
2
4.7
8.7
0.9
2.8
4.0
1.4
1.8
1.9
Westside
4
8
31
8
2.8
5.0
4.6
4.1
1.6
2.4
3.3
3.6
91
3.2
4.2
1.3
2.6
Total
Further data collection and analysis of canopy cover, large logs, and spotted owl habitat attributes is planned for 2010.
Feller buncher creating DFPZ by removing designated trees
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
13
Best Management Practices
Best management practices (BMPs) are special
techniques used with forest management activities to
protect water quality and soils. The Forest Service uses
BMPs associated with stream course protection, skid trails,
landings, road drainage, stream crossings, prescribed fire,
and road decommissioning.
Best Management Practices were monitored using
the Pacific Southwest Region protocols (BMPEP). This
approach requires activity sites to have undergone at
least one winter prior to evaluation. Therefore, all sites
monitored were implemented in 2008 or earlier. The
protocol involves a two-step process. The first step,
implementation, determines whether measures to reduce
risk to water quality were considered during project
planning, design, and layout, and whether prescribed
measures were implemented on the ground. The second
step, practice effectiveness, involves field review of
indicators of processes that affect water quality. These
focus primarily on erosion, and include criteria such
as rilling, sediment deposition and sediment transport.
Results from both implementation and effectiveness
are scored and weighted using several criteria, then
summarized to yield a result of “implemented or not
implemented” and “effective or not effective.”
As indicated by this year’s monitoring results, BMPs
continue to be an effective method for protecting and
preserving water on National Forests. As shown in the
following table, implementation and effectiveness of the
various BMPs ranged from 90 to 100 percent.
Aspen Restoration Project with stream course protection on
Sierraville Ranger District
Riparian Zone in Blakeless Project on Beckwourth Ranger District with underburn completed to reduce potential
for stand replacing fire event while simultaneously retaining sufficient ground cover to prevent erosion
14 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Summary Results of 2009 BMP Implementation and Effectiveness, by Activity Type
The target goal is to achieve 90 percent or better in effectiveness and 100 percent in implementation. While the target
was exceeded for effectiveness, implementation fell short of the goal. Areas where improvement in effectiveness can be
realized are focused on road drainage and crossings. General recommendations are listed below:
 Continue the prescription, application and monitoring of BMPs across the HFQLG pilot project area
 Strive to achieve 100 percent implementation
 Continue to achieve at least 90 percent effectiveness for all BMPs.
 Build upon 2009 success for BMPs associated with stream courses, skid trails, landings, road
decommissioning and prescribed fire.
 Continue to designate Stream Management Zones (SMZs) for prescribed fire and all timber sale activities.
 Maintain proper drainage on all roads, which includes the maintenance of culverts and ditches.
 Stabilize erodible (unstable) areas, where roads are located.
 Identify unstable areas and drainage problems associated with roads during the NEPA process.
 Investigate reasons for failure to implement and find solutions to avoid failures in the future.
 Increase watershed funding allocation to implement road improvements identified in NEPA documents that
are not economically feasible to include in particular timber sales.
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
15
Soils
This year 2009 soil monitoring data (25 units)
were added to the data set analyzed for previous annual
monitoring reports, and the combined data were reanalyzed for overall synthesis of status and trend. Only
units with pre- and post-treatment data were included
in the analysis. A total of 77 units with pre- and posttreatment data sampled between 2001 and 2009 are
represented in the data shown in this summary.
units overall met the standard pre-activity (53 percent of
thinning units and 71 percent of group selection units).
Therefore, most of the detrimental compaction existed
prior to HFQLG treatment. More pertinent to current
activities, there were 9 units (5 thinning, 4 group selection,
12 percent) that met the standard pre-treatment and
exceeded it post-treatment; the rest either exceeded the
standard pre-treatment or met the standard post-treatment.
The comparison of pre- and post-treatment sampling
continues to indicate an overall trend that harvest
operations can add some compaction to the treated area.
The amount of compaction added is influenced by the
silvicultural prescription, the location of trees to be
removed, the soil type, the soil moisture at time of harvest
and the kinds of logging equipment used. This year’s data
indicates that thinning or group selection treatments have
Soil moisture probes
In response to the statistical analysis of previous soil
an incremental increase in compaction. The treatments,
unless taken cumulatively with past treatments, do not
monitoring data conducted in 2007, all units monitored
exceed the Forest Service standards and guidelines in one
in 2008 and 2009 had 200 sample points, as opposed
entry.
to the 60 sample points in thinning units and 21 sample
points in group selection units done previously, to increase
precision of the data. Because the increase in sample plots
was relatively small (8 units 2008 and 25 units 2009) and
overall results are not appreciably different that previously
reported, new statistical analyses were not completed.
Soil Compaction
Soil compaction (loss of soil porosity) has been viewed
as a major factor affecting soil productivity. Compacted
soil can have lower water infiltration rates, higher or lower
water holding capacity (depending on soil texture), and
increases in soil strength that can restrict root growth.
Forest Plan soil quality standards generally require
detrimental compaction to occupy less than 15 percent of
a unit. Overall, 52 percent of the units meet this standard
post-activity, including 45 percent of DFPZ commercial
thinning units (hereafter thinning units) and 67 percent
of group selection units. However, only 58 percent of
16 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Post-treatment compaction within units that were
subsoiled (tilled or otherwise broken up to mitigate past
compaction) versus not subsoiled show on average no
beneficial difference of treatment at the unit scale. Because
subsoiling usually only occurs on the current operation’s
main skid trails and/or landings this could be due to
legacy compaction between current skid trails. A further
evaluation of subsoiling effectiveness is needed.
Recent research findings (Powers and others 2005)
indicate that the effect of increased compaction on total
biomass productivity varies with soil type. Soil textures
on units monitored in 2009 were classified as “loamy,”
a soil type which does not show significant changes in
productivity when compacted. Consequently, though some
units do not meet the 15 percent standard for compaction,
a decrease in soil productivity (total biomass productivity)
is not expected.
Soil Ground Cover
Forest Plan soil quality standards generally require
50 percent effective soil cover to avoid soil erosion. Soil
cover can be duff, litter, large wood, vegetation or rock,
all of which prevent bare soil from eroding. Overall, 90
percent of the units meet this standard, with the problem
areas being predominantly group selection units from a
particular sale area.
Thinning units on average have 80 percent effective
soil cover post-activity; only 1 unit (2 percent) has less
than 50 percent cover. Group selection units have on
average about 60 percent effective cover; ground cover is
much more reduced in group selection units. Seven group
selection units (29 percent) have less than 50 percent
cover. Districts will be asked to improve efforts to work
with contractors to streamline activities in group selection
units to reduce disturbance and leave more ground cover.
The two mastication units both exceeded 85 percent cover.
Large Woody Material
Forest Plan soil quality standards generally require
three or more logs per acre to be left on the ground posttreatment to help maintain long-term soil productivity,
maintain soil moisture and for wildlife purposes. Thinning
units as a group meet the standard with an average of four
logs per acre post-activity. More specifically, 30 units (59
percent) have at least 3 logs per acre, 15 units (29 percent)
have 1 to 2 logs per acre, and 6 units (12 percent) have no
large wood. Group selection units as a group do not meet
the standard with an average of 1.2 logs per acre post-
topsoil (A horizon) is removed from an area 1 meter
square or larger. Although Forest Plan soil quality
standards and guidelines do not have a minimum area
considered significant, or a permissible extent within
units, minimizing soil displacement is a management
objective. Soil displacement was compared from pre- to
post-treatment. Thinning units generally have an average
of 5 percent displacement, with only two units (4 percent)
barely exceeding 15 percent. Group selection units average
about 10 percent displacement, with six units (25 percent)
exceeding 15 percent and two units just exceeding 20
percent. For the two mastication units, data shows large
variation because the two units were very different; one
unit increased from 0 to 8 percent pre- to post-treatment
and the other unit increased from 23 to 35 percent pre- to
post- treatment.
Finding Summary
Prior to treatment, legacy compaction (pre-HFQLG) is
commonly above threshold levels in both group selection
and thinning units. Each treatment in these units increases
compaction a small amount, sometimes causing a unit
to change from meeting the standard to not meeting the
standard. Some units stay under the standard. Group
selection units continue to show lower ground cover and
higher disturbance than thinning units. Post-treatment
large woody material standards were only met in 17
percent of group selection units and 59 percent of thinning
units. Group selection units showed a trend of large wood
loss.
activity. More specifically, 4 units (17 percent) have at
least 3 logs per acre, 4 units (17 percent) have 1 to 2 logs
per acre, and 16 units (67 percent) have no large wood. It
is worth noting that some units had no large wood prior
to treatment. Of the two mastication units, one meets the
standard both pre- and post-treatment, and one does not.
Soil Displacement
Soil is considered displaced when either 2 inches
of duff or half of the depth of the humus-enriched
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
17
Botany
Sensitive Plant Protection
Out of the 15 threatened, endangered or sensitive
number of Layne’s butterweed plant stems increased
after the prescribed burn. Layne’s butterweed density was
higher in areas with more exposed bare ground; prescribed
burning increased the amount of bare ground exposed.
(TES) plant protection/control areas monitored in 2009,
Webber’s milk vetch density was higher in plots with
14 (93 percent) were protected as planned during HFQLG
lower overstory canopy closure. Hand thinning reduced
treatments. The minimum level of protection considered
overstory canopy closure relative to the control plots.
successful would be to have 90 percent of control areas
protected as planned (though 100 percent would be
optimum). Therefore, this objective was met in 2009. One
Data collected to evaluate the effect of prescribed
fire on Butte County fritillary was analyzed. There was
site on the Feather River Ranger District on the Plumas
NF was not protected. Miscommunication between project
staff appears to be the cause of the failure. Achievement
of the optimum protection level (100 percent of control
areas protected during treatment) will require continuing
improvements in communication between botanists and
contract administrators, to ensure effective marking,
awareness and avoidance of control areas.
Sensitive Plant Response to Management
Activities
Cover of closed-lip penstemon, Penstemon personatus,
Plant sampling, Webber’s milk vetch
following hand-thinning, mechanical thinning and group
no statistical difference in the number of basal leaves, or
selection treatments, was analyzed. The analysis did
in the number of flowering stems, before and after the
not demonstrate any significant decreases in cover. In
prescribed fire. Prescribed fires conducted in the fall, when
fact a significant increase in closed-lip penstemon cover
there is sufficient moisture in the fuel to maintain some
was observed following treatments in some mechanical
ground cover, can reduce fuel loading and enhance habitat
thinning and group selection units. Increases in cover
for the rare Butte County fritillary.
occurring in the first year after treatment are unusual. A
large amount of ground disturbance occurred during the
harvest activities and yet the species seemed to do quite
well. Both the control unit and another group selection
unit had some apparent decrease in cover. However, these
decreases were not significant.
Monitoring also looks for new occurrences of TES
plants species during and
after HFQLG project
implementation. No new
occurrences were found this
year in 91 monitored units.
Data collected to evaluate the effect of hand thinning
on Webber’s milk vetch and prescribed burning on Layne’s
butterweed found that both species were positively
affected by these treatments. Small Webber’s milk vetch
plants increased in density after hand thinning, suggesting
an increase in germination rates post-treatment. The
18 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Butte County fritillary
Noxious Weeds
Monitoring examines the effect of HFQLG activities
and associated weed control and prevention measures
of Agriculture (2003) noxious weed list; however cheat
grass and bull thistle are not. Regardless, all of these
species are highly invasive and potentially threatened
on the establishment, eradication and spread of noxious
ecosystem health and function.
weeds. There were 11 sites with weeds evaluated in
Wildfire, Fuels and Air Quality
2009 to determine if mitigation measures were properly
implemented. All of the occurrences were either treated
and/or avoided during HFQLG management activities. The
Predicted Wildfire Effects
To predict the effects of HFQLG treatments on
HFQLG project area has done well in implementing the
wildfire characteristics, field data from 79 DFPZs, both
contract specifications of equipment cleaning to prevent
pre- and post-treatment, were used in the Fire and Fuels
the spread of noxious weeds. Seventeen projects were
Extension to the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FFE) model
reviewed in 2009 for equipment cleaning documentation.
to predict fire behavior and effects, based on vegetation,
All projects had equipment cleaning documentation in the
90th percentile weather conditions, and fuel loading. For
project files.
fire intensities, HFQLG treatments (Defensible Fuel
There were 42 sites with weeds evaluated in 2009 to
determine if existing weed populations were eliminated
or contained. Aggressive action prior to and through
project implementation has generally been successful in
eradicating small populations of noxious weeds. Less
success has been realized in larger populations or species
more difficult to eradicate. There was a 95 percent success
rate in eliminating or containing the weed populations in
2009. For example, careful annual hand-pulling treatment
of the musk thistle (Carduus nutans) populations on
the Sierraville Ranger District appears to eliminate
small populations. One large occurrence over 30 acres,
containing hundreds of individuals, appears to have been
successfully eradicated. The key to successful musk thistle
control is to prevent seed production, which is the only
form of reproduction. High intensity of control appears to
be warranted. These efforts appear to be limiting noxious
weed spread on the Lassen, Plumas and Tahoe National
Forests. Additional efforts are needed particularly with
Medusahead, Dalmatian toadflax, musk thistle and yellow
starthistle.
Twenty-two (22) of 91 units monitored (24 percent)
had substantial new populations of invasive species 1 to 5
Profile Zones or DFPZs) are intended to reduce intensities
to a level at which fire suppression activities can be
effective. One criterion for fuel treatment effectiveness
is predicted surface flame lengths of less than 4 feet. The
model predicted a reduction in mean flame lengths from
4.5 feet to 3.2 feet after DFPZ construction, indicating
that this criterion would be met. When data are available,
the effects of understory prescribed burn treatments will
also be modeled. For tree mortality, the model predicted
a decline in mortality rate from wildfire, from 91 percent
to 77 percent after DFPZ treatment, thereby meeting an
HFQLG silvicultural objective.
Air Quality and Smoke
The Forest Service monitors the effects of HFQLG
prescribed burns related to air quality and smoke. In FY
2009 there were no reported violations of local Smoke
Management Plans or air quality standards, no impacts to
Class I airsheds, and no formal smoke complaints to local
Air Quality Districts resulting from HFQLG prescribed
burn activities. The absence of violations or complaints
can be attributed in part to extensive coordination and
communication of prescribed burn activities between the
Forest Service, Air Quality Districts, and the public.
years after treatment, and populations seem to expand once
established. Klamath weed is on the California Department
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
19
Large Fire Frequency Trend
To evaluate the trend in large fire frequency within
the HFQLG pilot project area, the California Department
of Forestry and Fire Protection 2007 fire atlas and the
ARIMA time domain regression program were used.
ARIMA analysis found a significant increasing linear trend
in mean fire size since 1900. The number of acres burned
also indicated a linear increase, although this trend was
not significant at the 0.05 level (p=0.09). On the other
hand, the number of fires per year since 1900 has not
increased. These data agree with other larger scale analyses
conducted for the entire Sierra Nevada and southern
Cascade ranges (Miller et al. 2008, Miller and Safford
2008) showing a linear increase in fire size over the past
century. Because the HFQLG pilot project has not yet
been implemented in its entirety, it is difficult to determine
the potential effect of HFQLG treatments on large fire
frequency at this time.
Effects of HFQLG Treatments on Fire
Behavior and Suppression
A number of fires have burned within fuel treatments
in the pilot project area since 1999. The effects have been
documented in various reports of individual fires, and a
forthcoming report (Murphy et al., in review) compiles
summaries of about ten fires. Fire behavior and effects
within fuel treatments have varied somewhat from fire
Large Fire Severity Trend
To evaluate the trend in large fire severity, Forest
Service fire severity mapping was used to calculate the
percentage of fire acreage that burned
Prescribed fire is used to remove ground fuels and reduce
future wildfire intensity
to fire, but may include reductions in flame length, fire
intensity, tree mortality, and/or rate of spread. Two
additional wildfires impacted fuel treatment areas in 2008,
with high severity in fires greater than
100 acres within the HFQLG pilot
project area. The ARIMA program was
then used to evaluate the trend over
time. ARIMA found a significant linear
increase in the percent of area burning
at high severity across the HFQLG pilot
project area since 1984. A pattern of
increasing fire severity has also been
documented for the entire Sierra Nevada
and the southern Cascade mountains
(Miller et al. 2008, Miller and Safford
2008). Because the HFQLG pilot
project has not been implemented in its
entirety, it is difficult to determine the
potential effect of HFQLG treatments
on fire severity at this time.
20 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Moonlight Fire burning towards Antelope Lake
the Peterson and Rich fires. Fuel treatment effectiveness
(Plumas NF), within the pilot project area. Results
studies were completed on both of these fires. Findings
demonstrate substantial reduction in both fire size and area
indicate that the defensible fuel profile zone (DFPZ) fuel
burned at higher flame lengths (see the following table
breaks slowed the fires, enabling firefighters to concentrate
and figure). Across the Meadow Valley study area burning
their efforts on higher priority areas closer to communities
probability was reduced as a result of HFQLG treatments,
and to defer suppression efforts within the fuel breaks. In
particularly towards the northeast, or down-wind, portion
addition, the intensity of the fires was lower in the treated
of the study area (Moghaddas et al., in review).
areas, and preliminary reconnaissance indicates greater
tree survival in the treated versus untreated areas.
In addition to the examples from actual fires, a
Further analysis of HFQLG treatments is underway. It
involves modeling the Meadow Valley landscape several
decades into the future to assess HFQLG treatment
computer simulation was used to model fire spread, fire
longevity, estimate potential wildfire vulnerability across
behavior, and fire occurrence before and after HFQLG
the Meadow Valley study area before and after HFQLG
treatments in a 45,000 acre study area in Meadow Valley
treatments, and predict habitat alteration from fire.
Characteristics of a Modeled “Problem Fire” for the Pre- and Post-treatment Meadow Valley Landscape (Area
burned is summarized using two flame length break values. These flame length values are based on operational
constraints for fire suppression activities.)
Treatment Fire size Average flame Area burned > 8 ft flame length (ac) Area burned > 11 ft flame length (ac)
phase
(ac)
(proportion of burned area)
(proportion of burned area)
length (ft)
Pre
22,674
3.1
9321
(0.41)
7149
(0.31)
Post
13,761
2.7
5127
(0.37)
3820
(0.28)
Predicted Wildfire Size and Average Flame Length, Meadow Valley Area, Before and After HFQLG Treatments
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
21
Marten

Kirk and others (Kirk and Zielinski 2009,
Kirk 2007) designed a marten habitat model.
However, marten locations predicted by the
model did not correspond well with the Lassen
NF actual marten detections.

A study investigating the seasonality of
detection occurred between 2007 and 2008
which showed higher detections in the winter
months despite a similar probability of
detection (as described in MacKenzie et al.
2006).

The final report prepared for the above study
(Zielinski et al 2009) recommended several
next steps, including radio telemetry (tracking
marten with radio collars) and snow tracking,
to understand the difference in detections
between summer and winter seasons and to
resolve the question of whether marten reside
year-round in the HFQLG pilot project area
outside of Lassen Volcanic National Park
(LVNP).

As directed by Congress, in 2008 an
independent scientific review panel organized
by the Pinchot Institute reviewed and
made recommendations on the HFQLG
monitoring program. For marten, the panel’s
recommendations related to discerning marten
occupancy within the pilot project area,
refining the predictive model, defining suitable
habitat, and being prepared to assess the
effects of HFQLG implementation on martens,
including on marten movement and habitat
connectivity.
The marten (Martes americana) is currently
designated as a sensitive species for the Pacific Southwest
Region of the Forest Service and is of concern due to
historic trapping, loss of habitat, and subsequent declines
in both population and distribution (USDA 2004).
Marten Monitoring
Marten were historically distributed throughout the Sierra
Nevada, including the HFQLG pilot project area. Surveys
since the 1990s have detected marten within the Lakes
Basin area on the Plumas National Forest, throughout the
west side of the Lassen National Forest above 5,500 feet,
and in portions of the Sierraville ranger district.
A series of events over the last 5 years has lead to
current research on the Lassen National Forest (LNF)
concerning seasonal variability of marten detection in field
surveys:

Zielinski, Kirk, and others (Redwood
Sciences Lab, RSL) conducted carnivore
surveys in Sierra Nevada forests, including the
HFQLG pilot project area, between 1999 and
2002.
 The report on this work (Zielinski et al. 2005),
which used historic museum and fur trapping
records as well as field surveys, showed a
lack of marten detections in locations where
the Lassen National Forest had successfully
detected martens.
22 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
In FY 2009, the Lassen National Forest, supported by
the HFQLG project and the Pacific Southwest Research
Station, worked with RSL and Oregon State University
(OSU) to arrange a long-term study with three specific
goals:
1. Determine the year-round occupancy of marten
within the study area through radio telemetry and
monitoring,
2. Determine which habitats (and habitat elements)
marten prefer, for foraging as well as resting and
reproduction, and develop a habitat predictive
model, and
3. Assess and monitor the effects of HFQLG
treatments on marten.
kinglet, Nashville warbler, and hermit warbler decreased
The study will begin in FY 2010 with trapping,
radio-collaring, and snow tracking of marten in two
in abundance. Prescribed fire had positive effects on the
discrete study areas. In addition to this data, two separate
greatest number of species while mastication and pre-
observations of a marten den site and marten adult (both
commercial thinning affected the most species negatively.
in summer 2009), as well as prior studies (Ellis 1998),
suggest that marten may occupy areas outside LVNP yearround. Subsequent work will investigate marten movement
in and near HFQLG treatment areas as well as natural
openings. Researchers will use snow tracking and radio
telemetry to analyze whether and how martens use and/or
travel across managed areas (DFPZs, group selections,
etc).
Long-term (since 2004) monitoring continued on
aspen enhancement treatments on the Lassen National
Forest. Comparison of treated and untreated aspen stands
showed that treated aspen stands support greater total
abundance of birds and abundance of key species such as
mountain bluebird, chipping sparrow, and red-breasted
sapsucker, but these initial benefits may be short-lived
for some species. Total bird abundance was significantly
Another objective of the HFQLG marten monitoring
greater at treated sites than untreated sites: 5.98 versus
program is to develop a more site-specific predictive
4.50 birds per station per visit respectively. Species
model for marten. Understanding of seasonal variations
richness at treated sites averaged 7.28 species per station
in detection from the ongoing study, along with analysis
compared to 6.33 at untreated sites.
of winter detection locations, vegetation and other habitat
elements, will be incorporated into a regional marten
habitat suitability model. This model can then be used for
future HFQLG project planning and impact assessment.
Songbirds
In 2009, monitoring of HFQLG fuel treatments was
expanded to increase the sample of treated sites on the
Lassen National Forest. Additionally, a new study began
investigating avian communities in post-fire habitats in the
Cub, Moonlight, and Storrie fires. The goal of this study
Point Reyes Bird Observatory Conservation Science
has been conducting songbird monitoring in the Northern
Sierra since 1997. Monitoring included compilation of
information on a suite of HFQLG treatments (defensible
fuel profile zone (DFPZ), group selection, pre-commercial
will be to better understand the importance of disturbance
dependent habitats (e.g. snags, shrub habitats) as well
as the differences in avian populations between habitats
dominated by natural disturbance, HFQLG treatments
(anthropogenic disturbance), and untreated forest.
thinning, mastication, prescribed fire, aspen,
oak and pine enhancement treatments) across
the Plumas and Lassen National Forests, and
analysis of the short-term response of the
avian community. The response to the different
treatments varied among species, with some
showing positive effects (increased abundance
and species diversity) and others negative
effects from most treatments. For example,
three species, olive-sided flycatcher, Audubon’s
warbler, and chipping sparrow all increased
in abundance following DFPZ treatment.
Contrastingly, dusky flycatcher, golden-crowned
Mountain Bluebird. Photo by Elaine R. Wilson
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
23
California Spotted Owl
the study is positioned to
monitor CSO response across
Knowledge regarding the effects of fuels
the gradient of landscape
and vegetation management on California
conditions that are at the core
spotted owls (CSO) and their habitat is a
of the CSO-wildfire-forest
primary information need in addressing
management monitoring
conservation and management objectives
questions (untreated, treated
in Sierra Nevada forests. Specific research
with fuels treatments,
objectives of the CSO module are identified
high severity wildfire, and
and described in the Plumas-Lassen
moderate-low severity wildfire
Administrative Study (PLAS) Plan.
landscapes).
Current information on the distribution
and density of CSOs across the HFQLG study
area is required to provide the data necessary
California spotted owl
to build predictive habitat models and provide
baseline population information against which to assess
post-treatment changes in CSO populations and habitat.
Continued monitoring in the Lassen Demographic Study
Area is critical for estimating long-term CSO population
trends and status. The focus in 2009 was to conduct
landscape inventories of CSO distribution and abundance
and continue banding to provide demographic data and
baseline information. Efforts were made to monitor the
pair and reproductive status of each owl, and to capture,
uniquely color mark and collect blood samples from each
individual owl. Capture and color marking are necessary
to estimate survival and population trend, and to assess
exposure to West Nile Virus. All barred and hybrid barredspotted owls encountered in the study area were also
recorded and synthesized to all existing barred owl records
for the northern Sierra Nevada.
Of note, the 2009 work continued the second year of
case studies within the PLAS to assess the distribution
and abundance of CSOs across a landscape that had been
fully treated under the HFQLG program (Meadow Valley
CSO Numbers, Reproductive Success,
Density and Population Trends
A total of 73 territorial CSO sites were documented
in 2009 across the study area. This total consisted of 63
confirmed pairs, 5 unconfirmed pairs and 5 territorial
single CSOs. Thirty pairs successfully reproduced in 2009
(47.6 percent of confirmed/unconfirmed pairs). A total of
47 fledged young were documented in 2009 (1.57 young
per successful nest). Across the 6 years of the study,
CSO reproduction has varied annually in percentages
of CSO pairs that successfully reproduced, and to lesser
degrees in the number of young fledged per successful
nest. Approximately 50 percent of CSO pairs successfully
reproduced in 2004, 2007 and 2009 while only 14 to 18
percent were successful in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Annual
CSO reproduction is known to vary with both spring
weather and variation in prey numbers.
California Spotted Owl Reproduction on the Plumas
and Lassen National Forests 2004 to 2009
Project Area) and across a landscape that has experienced
Year
high severity wildfire (Moonlight-Antelope Complex
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Fire Area). Additionally, the first year of CSO surveys
were conducted across a landscape that had experienced
moderate-low severity wildfire (Cub-Onion Fire). Thus,
24 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Percent of confirmed/
unconfirmed pairs
with successful nests
49.4
17.7
13.8
55.4
16.4
47.6
Young fledged per
successful nest
1.68
1.47
1.50
1.81
1.70
1.57
The crude density of CSOs was estimated based
on the numbers of territorial owls detected across
nine survey areas during 2009 surveys. The estimated
Barred and Sparred (spotted-barred hybrid)
Distributional Records
Barred owls have been linked to the continuing decline
crude density across the overall study area in 2009
of the northern spotted owl and are considered a primary
was 0.069 territorial owls per km². Overall study area
threat. They are likely to present a similar threat to the
crude densities are not directly comparable across years
California spotted owl. Barred owls, a recent invader in
because different total areas were surveyed in each year.
the region, were first reported in 1989. Four barred owls
However, crude density estimates within individual
and three sparred owls were detected during 2009 surveys
survey areas on the Plumas NF indicate similar densities
within the study area. The synthesis and update of barred-
and numbers of territorial sites (pair sites plus territorial
sparred owl records through 2009 based on Forest Service
single sites) between 2004 and 2008, with a slight drop
and California Department of Fish and Game databases
in numbers in 2009. In contrast, numbers appear to
indicates that there are a minimum of 53 individual site
have declined somewhat on the Lassen NF survey areas
records across the Sierra Nevada. This includes 19 records
between 2005 and 2008, and then increased slightly in
that have been documented within the HFQLG intensively
2009.
surveyed study area and 39 records across the broader
Vegetation Sampling – Nest Plots
Vegetation plot sampling was conducted at
HFQLG Project Area. The pattern of records suggests that
barred-sparred owls have been increasing in the northern
Sierra Nevada between 1989 and 2008.
approximately 100 CSO territories from 2005 through
2009. Approximately 230 Forest Inventory and
Assessment (FIA) vegetation plots have been measured
for development of CSO habitat models that can be used
as adaptive management planning tools. Habitat models
are currently being evaluated that can be used to assess
projected changes in CSO nesting and foraging habitat
suitability under varying fuels and vegetation treatment
Meadow Valley Project Area, MoonlightAntelope Fire Area, and Cub-Onion Fire Area
Case Studies
The Meadow Valley project area is the first area
within the PLAS where full implementation of HFQLG
treatments has occurred. Annual monitoring of CSOs
between 2003 and 2009 suggests that CSO numbers
scenarios.
have been fairly stable across the survey period with the
Banding, Blood Sampling, West Nile Virus
Monitoring
years. However, seven to nine territorial CSO sites were
Eighty-two (82) CSOs were captured and banded in
number of pairs ranging between six and nine across
documented each year between 2003 and 2007, whereas
six territorial sites were located in each of the first 2 years
2009. Blood samples were collected from 17 individuals
(2008 and 2009) following full implementation of the
in 2009 and have not been analyzed to date. None of
treatments across the MVPA landscape. Additionally,
the 154 individual samples tested at the University of
results suggest that treatments may be associated with the
California, Davis for West Nile Virus antibodies tested
movement of two territorial sites within the landscape.
positive from 2004 to 2007.
Detailed information on the spatial locations, timing, and
effects on the post-treatment vegetation are needed to more
fully explore the effects of treatments on CSOs. Further,
continued monitoring is necessary to assess the longer-term
responses of CSOs to treatments that may not be apparent
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
25
from the acute, short-term responses observed in 2008
six territorial pairs, one unconfirmed territorial pair, and
through 2009.
two territorial single CSOs within the fire perimeter
The Moonlight Antelope fire area landscape
encompassed approximately 88,000 acres that burned
in 2007. These high-severity fires resulted in significant
change to the vegetation, with the landscape experiencing
about 60 percent high severity fire and 25 percent
moderate intensity fire. Suitable CSO habitat decreased
from 70.1 percent of the pre-fire landscape to 5.8 percent
in the post-fire landscape. Twenty-three CSO Protected
Activity Centers (PACs, 300 acre management areas)
were located in the pre-fire landscape but it is unknown
what proportion of these PACs was actually occupied by
CSOs in 2007. In 2008 surveys we documented a single
pair of territorial CSOs within the 88,000 acres, plus ten
detections of single, apparently non-territorial, male CSOs
spread out across the area. In 2009 surveys we detected the
same single pair of territorial CSOs and no other CSOs.
These results indicate that these high-severity fires have
had negative effects on CSOs distribution, abundance, and
habitat.
The Cub Onion Fire landscape encompassed
area. These results suggest that CSOs are able to persist
within landscapes that experience predominantly low to
moderate severity wildfire. Surveys to be conducted in
2010 are necessary to confirm these patterns. Additionally,
information on the post-fire vegetation and habitat
conditions are needed to fully assess the response of CSOs
and their habitat to wildfire.
Amphibians
Monitoring was conducted to determine potential
effects on amphibians within habitats that may be affected
by projects implemented under the HFQLG pilot project.
New methodology was developed in 2009 to establish base
line data for habitat and species presence and abundance.
In 2009 HFQLG amphibian monitoring accomplished
both habitat and species surveys at five monitoring sites
on the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests. The five sites
selected for 2009 include Independence Creek (Tahoe),
Potosi Creek (Plumas), South Fork Rock Creek (Plumas),
Lone Rock Creek (Plumas), and Boulder Creek (Plumas).
The five sites were selected based on two primary criteria;
approximately 21,000 acres that burned in 2008. These
(1) presence of existing sensitive amphibian populations or
were largely low to moderate intensity fires, with the
individuals, and (2) HFQLG projects that had treatments
landscape experiencing about 10 percent high severity,
located within or adjacent to the presence of sensitive
20 percent moderate severity, and 70 percent low severity
amphibians and where treatments would occur within
fire. In the initial year of CSO surveys, 2009, we detected
the next 2 years. Habitat monitoring showed that all five
sites contained suitable habitat for one or more of the
following species: mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana
muscosa), Pacific tree frog (Hyla regila), and long-toed
salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum). Although data
was collected on an extensive set of habitat attributes,
three key attributes have been identified as having
the highest probability of being affected by HFQLG
treatments and have been selected for closer analysis:
percent shade, sediment as measured by pool tail fines,
and bank stability. Percent shade was variable, showing
the lowest, 36.2 percent shade, at Boulder Creek, and the
Antelope Fire burned area with smoke plume from Moonlight
Fire burning in the distance
26 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
highest, 66.2 percent, at Potosi Creek. Percent stable banks
was relatively consistent at 87 to 100 percent. Sediment
larvae were found at three sites, Potosi Creek, Lone Rock
data indicated that pool tail fines had the greatest range
Creek and Boulder Creek.
of variability with measurements ranging from 1 percent
at Independence Creek to 100 percent at Boulder Creek.
Though variability between reaches can be expected, it is
a goal to compare the changes in key attributes before and
after HFQLG implementation to determine if actions are
affecting amphibian habitat. These results will be included
in future monitoring reports.
Species surveys were conducted at all five sites.
Independence Creek species surveys found the most
mountain yellow-legged frogs (MYLF) with 42
individuals, followed by Lone Rock Creek with 15
MYLF and 5 MYLF at South Fork Rock Creek. Of the
MYLF found, a total of seven were large enough (SVL
>45mm) for the mark and recapture technique to estimate
abundance. Potosi Creek and Boulder Creek were the only
two sites where MYLF were not found. However, Potosi
and Boulder Creeks did have Pacific tree frogs present, and
one western toad was found at Boulder Creek. Salamander
After HFQLG project implementation, post-project
surveys will be conducted to compare habitat components
and amphibian population estimates to pre-project
conditions.
Additional monitoring was completed to determine
how pond and plug watershed restoration treatments may
affect bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) relative abundance.
Bullfrogs are undesirable non-native frogs that compete
with and prey on native species. Three transects were
established on Last Chance Creek with a total of 54
stations to listen for singing adult bullfrogs in areas that
had been either restored with pond and plug projects or
were untreated. Stations were visited twice during the
breeding season. The ponds created by the watershed
restoration projects create suitable breeding habitat,
which is otherwise less abundant in these eastside stream
systems. Bullfrog relative abundance was significantly
greater at treated sites than untreated sites.
Female Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog found along the edge of Lone Rock Creek
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
27
Watershed Condition
For watershed condition, the effect of HFQLG project activities is monitored using data compiled by hydrologists
for their project level NEPA analyses. Only vegetation management projects that have had at least some on the ground
implementation are included in the monitoring pool. In 2009, many recent NEPA decisions for HFQLG projects were
encumbered by litigation. Consequently, very few projects were initiated on the ground in 2009 and watershed condition
results are very similar to those reported in 2008.
Summary of HFQLG Watershed Condition Monitoring Plan Results (2009)
Watershed Condition
Indicator
Road Density
Total acreage of subwatersheds reporting
Unit of
Measure
miles per
square mile
miles per
square mile
788,000 acres
Near-stream Road
Density
308,000 acres
Equivalent Roaded
Acres (ERA)
1,220,000 acres
equivalent
roaded acres
Near-stream ERA
17,700 acres
Number of Road /
Stream Crossings
equivalent
roaded acres
571,000 acres
number
Published research consistently recognizes that
Pre-project
Post-project
Condition
2.97
Condition
Percent
Change
2.88
- 3.0%
3.62
3.42
- 5.5%
62,100
(5.1% of basin
area)
79,500
(6.5% of
basin area)
+ 28%
472
489
+ 3.6%
3,108
3,051
- 1.8%
HFQLG project activities, as modeled by ERA analysis, do
roads are typically the primary anthropogenic source
not necessarily indicate that stream health and watershed
of water quality impacts in forested watersheds. Road
condition would be degraded by sediment delivery from
obliterations account for the 3 percent decrease in road
the project area. Results (described elsewhere in this
density presented above. Results from another facet of the
report) from monitoring of stream condition inventory and
HFQLG Monitoring Plan, Stream Condition Inventory
Best Management Practices (BMP) indicate that, despite
(SCI) monitoring, indicate that one HFQLG project with
modeled increases in ERAs for project watersheds, project
a reduction in road density due to road obliterations likely
BMPs and protective streamside management zones
resulted in a measurable decrease of fine sediment delivery
effectively prevent delivery of project-generated sediment.
to a local stream. For the Panther Creek reach, pre- and
post-project results for one of the three SCI protocol
measures used to assess changes in fine sediment delivery
demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the
mean percentage of pool tail fines (from 34.3 percent preproject to 11.7 percent post-project).
Equivalent Roaded Acres (ERA) is a measurement
In 2007 and 2008, the SCI protocol was applied to 15
streams where pre-project data had been measured. For all
of these streams, none of the three fine sediment measures
were significantly different when compared with the preproject data, indicating that project activities did not result
in increased sediment delivery. From 2005 through 2009,
792 site-specific BMP effectiveness evaluations (focusing
for quantifying the amount of land disturbance (which
on stream sedimentation and bank disturbance impacts)
can alter a watershed’s surface runoff patterns and timing)
were conducted to assess practices associated with stream
associated with different vegetation management activities.
course protection, skid trails, landings and prescribed
For example, one acre of tractor clearcut may count as 0.30
burns. Sixty-two (62) of these 792 evaluations were rated
to 0.35 ERA. Fine sediment delivery to streams is typically
as ineffective, resulting in a 92 percent BMP effectiveness
the primary threat to water quality associated with timber
rating.
projects. Modest increases in land disturbance due to
28 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Stream Condition Inventory
Stream condition inventory tracks the trend of
selected channel attributes of streams before and after
implementation of HFQLG project activities. Over 20
streams were monitored during the summer and fall of
2009. Monitored streams included pre-project, postproject, reference, and post-fire reaches.
Monitoring crews used the Forest Service Pacific
Southwest Region Stream Condition Inventory protocol
Rock Creek (Lassen NF)
In contrast, SCI monitoring results from a severely
burned watershed on the Plumas NF verified an increase
in the delivery of fine sediment to streams after severe fire.
The Moonlight Fire burned over 46,000 acres of National
Forest System lands in September 2007, with roughly
three-fourths of the ground experiencing moderate or high
soil burn severity. An SCI survey had been performed on
Moonlight Creek in 2005, within a 5600-acre basin that
experienced high burn severity in 2007 over more than
65 percent of the watershed. The wildfire resulted in an
increase in ERA from 1.3 percent of the total watershed
area before the fire to 13.3 percent afterward, just over
the threshold of concern of 13 percent. (The threshold
of concern, expressed as the ERA percentage for each
subwatershed, serves as a “yellow flag” indicator of
increased risk of detrimental watershed effects.) This nine
fold increase far exceeds the average increase in ERA
caused by HFQLG timber projects quoted above. SCI
monitoring results for 2005 and 2008 also demonstrated a
large and statistically significant increase in pool tail fines,
from 4.2 percent to 15.7 percent, for Moonlight Creek.
(Frazier et al. 2005). The protocol includes parameters
important in classifying and assessing condition of channel
morphology, fish habitat and water quality. Because a
reduction in shade and increase in stream sediment are
the primary concerns associated with HFQLG projects for
aquatic systems, data evaluation focused on a measure of
stream shading and three measures of channel sediment
(percent pool tail fines, percent of particles less than 2
mm, and residual pool depth). Treatments located within
streamside areas would be expected to reduce the amount
of shade in the short term, while increased erosion and
sediment delivery from projects would be expected to
increase both pool tail fines and the percentage of particles
less than 2mm. Increased sediment delivery might also
increase deposition of sediment in pools, thereby reducing
residual pool depth. All three changes are considered
detrimental to fish habitat.
A total of nine pre-post surveys were conducted in
2009. Of these, five assessed potential impacts resulting
from recent HFQLG vegetation management activities,
two assessed potential impacts resulting from large
wildfires, and the remaining two are part of a longterm monitoring effort assessing HFQLG activities
that happened more than 5 years ago. Additionally,
six reference streams were monitored for long-term
comparison purposes. Reference stream annual variation
was relatively low for most attributes in the six streams
where repeat measurements were taken in 2009.
Status Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009
29
In general, comparisons of reaches monitored before
and after implementation of HFQLG projects indicate a
lack of adverse impacts. Though some HFQLG projects
resulted in a slight increase in sediment to aquatic habitats,
this increase was not significant, nor detected within all
three measurements of fine sediment included in the SCI
survey. For those reaches where significant differences
were detected (North Carman Creek, Negro Run Ravine),
pool tail fines actually decreased compared to pre project
conditions. The HFQLG projects associated with these
two reaches were not designed with the goal of reducing
fine sediment in stream channels. This decrease is likely
due to healing of existing natural (wildfire, bank erosion,
etc) or management-caused (past logging, roads, grazing)
sediment sources within the watershed over time. The
2009 survey of North Carman Creek was completed
to assess potential impacts of the Mabie Project where
approximately 200 acres of treatment occurred within the
riparian management zone. Results showed that even with
extensive management within the riparian management
zone, shade measurements were nearly identical to those
collected prior to implementation.
Aspen management in the Jones Creek stream
management zone caused significant reductions in channel
shade. Shade decreased from 80.2 percent before treatment
Rice Creek SCI (Lassen NF)
30 Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group
to 70.7 percent after treatment. Associated stream
temperature data has not yet been analyzed.
Cub Creek monitoring was conducted to examine
the effects from the 2008 Cub Wildfire. Increases in pool
tail fines and particles less than 2 mm, and reductions in
residual pool depths and shade, were evident. Moonlight
Creek was monitored to assess potential changes caused
by the Moonlight Wildfire and subsequent salvage logging.
In 2008, measurements indicated increased sediment
and decreased shade attributable to the wildfire. In 2009,
analysis revealed that sediment measurements had returned
to levels similar to pre-fire conditions.
A potential explanation for the reduction in channel
sediment is the input of large woody debris to the channel,
which may assist the channel with temporarily storing
sediment. Shade continued to decline and large wood
recruitment was high, nearly doubling the amount of large
logs to 122 pieces in 2009. The loss of stream channel
shade will have long-lasting effects to the burned reaches.
However, it appears that this system is trending back
towards pre-fire conditions in a relatively short time frame
with regard to sediment, even with the implementation
of salvage projects on both private and National Forest
System lands.
Herger - Feinstein Quincy Library Group
FY99 Through FY09 Completed Vegetation Management Treatments
!
Bieber
C a l i f o r n i a
!
!
Fall River Mills
Burney
N e v a d a
McArthur
!
Eagle
Lake
!
Viola
La s se n Vo l c a ni c
National P ark
!
Susanville
Chester
Janesville
Westwood
!
!
!
Honey
Lake
Lake
Almanor
Milford
!
Greenville
!
Crescent Mills
!
Taylorsville
!
Quincy
!
Beckwourth
Portola !
!
Graeagle !
Loyalton
!
Sierraville
Sierra City
Downieville
Lake
Orovi lle
!
!
!
Oroville !
Challenge !
!
Camptonville
HFQLG Extent Boundary
Truckee
HFQLG Completed Treatments - 2009
!
HFQLG Completed Treatments - 1999 to 2008
HFQLG SEIS DFPZ Network
! Nevada City
HFQLG Deferred
HFQLG OffBase
±
National Forest
National Forest Wilderness
Lake
Ta h o e
Other Ownership
Highways
0
10
20
30 Miles
1/29/2010
by Tuija Suihkonen
Herger - Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Herger - Feinstein Quincy Library Group
FY99 Through FY09 Completed Riparian RestorationTreatments
!
McArthur
C a l i f o r n i a
!
!
Fall River Mills
Burney
N e v a d a
Bieber
!
Eagle
Lake
!
Viola
La s se n Vo l c a ni c
National P ark
!
Susanville
Chester
Janesville
Westwood
!
!
!
Honey
Lake
Lake
Almanor
Milford
!
Greenville
!
Crescent Mills
!
Taylorsville
!
Quincy
!
Beckwourth
Portola !
!
Graeagle !
Loyalton
!
Downieville
Lake
Orovi lle
!
Oroville !
Challenge !
!
!
!
Truckee
!
HFQLG Completed Treatments - 2009
HFQLG Completed Treatments - 1999 to 2008
HFQLG Deferred
HFQLG OffBase
! Nevada City
±
National Forest
National Forest Wilderness
Lake
Ta h o e
Other Ownership
Highways
10
Sierraville
Camptonville
HFQLG Extent Boundary
0
Sierra City
20
30 Miles
2/9/2010
by Tuija Suihkonen
Herger - Feinstein Quincy Library Group
Plumas & Lassen National Forests
Sierraville Ranger District, Tahoe National Forest
USDA Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Region — February 2010